Artie’s Storm back to defend Grade 2 Eclipse Stakes title
At 2h34, on June 4, 2023 • By WOODBINE
Artie’s Storm will face 10 rivals in the Grade 2 $175,000 Eclipse Stakes Presented by Don Julio, Sunday at Woodbine.
A 1 1/16-mile main track event for 4-year-olds and upwards, the Eclipse has attracted a competitive field that includes multiple graded stakes placed Wolfie’s Dynaghost, graded stakes winners Rondure, and War Bomber (IRE), along with seven-time winner Carrothers.
Trained and owned by Paul Buttigieg, Artie’s Storm, a 5-year-old son of We Miss Artie-Tiz Stormy Now, made his seasonal debut in last year’s Eclipse, and went on to cross the wire a one-length winner at 7-1.
It’s the same scenario this time for the dark bay who went 1-3-1 from seven starts in 2022, the runner-up efforts coming in three Grade 3 events, the Dominion Day, Seagram Cup and Durham Cup.
“That would be nice, to get it done again,” said regular rider David Moran. “It’s a big field, a tough race with horses who have a race under their belt, but Artie is training well and working good. He’s in good shape coming into it. He won last year off the shelf, so hopefully he does the same again this time around.”
Also on tap Sunday is the running of the $100,000 Pink Lloyd Stakes (formerly known as the Ontario Jockey Club Stakes), a six-furlong Tapeta race for Ontario-sired 4-year-olds and up.
